The rule of football remains: celebrations are warranted after the final whistle. And a victory against Bournemouth, a team that had started the season well enough to briefly sit in the top four, certainly deserves acknowledgment and to start the party.
Yet, the tone of Everton's social media accounts, both post-match and this morning, suggests something far more dramatic. The level of euphoria implies this was a vital three points in either a title race or a desperate relegation battle.
In reality, the win and a Jack Grealish goal simply moves a mid-table side along. Perhaps this disproportionate reaction is a hangover from the recent defeat to Newcastle, a match where the team felt they profoundly failed to do the shirt justice.
Do not get carried away
Despite maintaining an impressive unbeaten home record before yesterday's fixture, Bournemouth’s confidence was undermined by a steady decline in form throughout November and a crippling list of unavailable players.
The team was severely weakened by the suspension of key figures Marcos Senesi, David Brooks, and Lewis Cook. Crucially, they also missed the injured Ryan Christie, a player considered fundamental to executing Bournemouth's specific midfield pressing and tactical structure.
Despite this depletion, the South Coast side still boasted considerable quality in advanced areas and the centre of the park. The presence of Antoine Semenyo, Justin Kluivert, and Amine Adli offered ample attacking threat, while the midfield pairing of Alex Scott and Tyler Adams provided a robust and technically sound core.
This ensemble reflects a genuinely strong Premier League squad depth, suggesting that even with several starters missing, Bournemouth retained a midfield capable of competing effectively with any fellow top-flight opponent.
Given Bournemouth's downturn, Everton's strategists will have identified this fixture as an excellent chance to claim points on the road. The travelling support, having already adjusted their expectations for matches against clubs outside the top four, view a victory here not as a major upset, but as a necessary and achievable outcome.
It is important to note that this match was not characterized by a dominant display from either side. Nevertheless, the defensive unit, a stark improvement over the performance in the Newcastle game, remained resolute. The contest ultimately hinged on a few crucial moments in the final quarter, where the best chances arose and led to a goal that broke the deadlock of an otherwise certain draw.
While the recent result is encouraging, it is premature to draw broad conclusions or declare Everton's resurgence. The upcoming clash with Nottingham Forest presents a much sterner examination, and playing at the Hill Dickinson Stadium will make it a considerably more demanding fixture.